Woodstock Police Notice a Surge in Calls Related to Replica Weapons

Police are reminding the public they take every single weapons call seriously, after responding to four complaints over the long weekend involving replica weapons.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock Police is noticing a surge in replica weapons in the Friendly City.

Police response to calls involving any weapon, including replica weapons, is serious. Being responsible and making good decisions when owning such imitation weapons is important. Safely storing away real and replica firearms is especially important where children and youth may have access to them.

Inspector Marci Shelton WPS received four separate weapons related complaints all involving replica firearms over the Victoria Day long weekend alone.

“What’s important to remember is that a weapon can be any thing. If it is meant for causing injury or death or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person, it’s a weapon, including a replica bb gun. Depending on the situation, being in possession of the replica firearm is not in itself a crime, but the police response will be the same as if it were a real threat and a real weapon.”

An imitation weapon used in a crime can lead to Criminal offences including, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Pointing a Firearm, Assault with a Weapon and Robbery. An imitation weapon may carry the same penalties as having an offensive weapon upon conviction.

The City of Woodstock also has a by-law (799.3.1) that prohibits the discharging of any bow or firearm, including an air soft or bb replica firearm within the city limits.

Wear a cloth mask during the protest if you plan on attending and wear ear plugs or nose protectors. Also, after the protest you should remove your clothes and wash them immediately, along with disinfecting any materials you carried.

By extending these orders, it will allow the employers of frontline care providers to be given the flexibility to respond to COVID-19. It will also protect those who are vulnerable, and the public, as Ontario reopens slowly and safely.

"I believe the members of the Woodstock Police Service do an excellent job protecting and engaging with our community. But I also recognize we are not perfect. We can do better and my commitment to you is that we will do better."